PJ Pagano

Clifton Park, NY   Aug, 1968

Concerned for the family's sanity, PJ was refused a drum set as a kid.  After seeing his obsession, his pop allowed a small kit in the house and lessons with the great local instructor, Mike Paradise.  Inspiration provided through the early 80's with Paradise and from friend and local phenom, Rick Albanese (previously w/ The Karen Lawrence Band) was influential. “Rick was the best drummer around and in a band with some friends of mine. He showed me what great technique looks like." 

After cutting his teeth on a heavy dose of Neil Peart as a kid, PJ studied the styles of other established drummers like, Steve Smith, Rod Morgenstein and Stewart Copeland. Eventually deciding to follow in Paradise's footsteps and attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston to improve his Jazz playing skills to the highest possible level.

PJ used his technical prowess to win the Capital Districts first DrumOff! competition in 2003. He went on to represent the Capital District in the Northeast regional finals and, at the event, received much praise from future National champion Daniel Rodriguez (2006).

Michael Eck's Times Union 9/27/2009 article singled out PJ's jarring performance at the Egg in Albany with Joe Lowry, while opening for guitar legend Robin Trower: "Drummer PJ Pagano rocked it up but good on the latter's (Hendrix) Fire."

Needless to say, technique drove his playing before being hired by Joe in January 2001. After experiencing the foundational blues styles the band was influenced by, he took a new approach to kit playing that was less technical and more feel oriented.  The results have greatly pleased Joe Lowry.

 


PJ’s Lightbulb Moment:

“Hard rock and arena music was huge in the community I grew up in - but I only knew the top 40 drumming.  When I heard Moving Pictures in 1981, I had to have a bigger kit.  I knew I would be playing drums for the rest of my life.”

 

Out Take:

“Solid time is absolutely the single most important feature of what I do.  Flash helps in a three piece band, but only if it is contained within a rock-like framework of solid timekeeping.  Otherwise, we'll sound like a train wreck.”

 

PJ's Equipment list:

Pearl's 4ply Masters drums and hardware

A Wells Cocobola snare, a few other Pearl Masters and even a Craviotto solid shell DW

DW 9000 and Pearl Eliminator pedals.

Zildjian, A & K series cymbals

Pork Pie throne's

Pearl RhythmTech Tambourine and Cowbell

Evans, Remo and Aquarian drum heads

Vater and Vic Firth sticks -or- custom bundle sticks by GG LaBarge